“STAY vigilant and help us recover.” That’s the message from North-East leaders after a sunny weekend saw scores of people gather at the region’s beauty spots.

In a joint statement released on Monday, the region’s leaders, including Northumberland County Council’s Glen Sanderson, North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll and Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, urged residents to continue following the rules. It comes just a week before schools start welcoming back pupils.

The statement said: “This weekend saw the good weather attract many people outdoors for their exercise.

"That’s understandable, but please remember to only meet up with one other person or stay within your household or support bubble and stay local.

"Over the weekend there were reports of people going beyond these rules and some concerns over a lack of social distancing. The overwhelming majority of people have been magnificent in following the rules during the ongoing period of lockdown but we are in danger of undoing all that good work if we all don’t continue to do so. 

"The milestones set out in the Prime Minister’s road map for easing restrictions and allowing us to return to a more normal life can only be met if we all play our part and follow the rules in order to prevent a surge in infection rates.”